While birds returning from their southern voyage, the last of the snow melting away and sports like baseball and softball starting up are sure signs of Spring’s arrival, so is an uptick of brush fires in Indiana County, and we have seen that happen over the last week.
Indiana County 911 has reported eight brush fires over the last seven days, with those fires occurring in North Mahoning, Washington, East Wheatfield, Rayne, Green, Armstrong, and Young Townships. Bob Henry with the Indiana Fire Association said that a lot of people are thinking about burning winter-related rubbish at this time of year, but the ground may not be in the best shape.
–Bob Henry, Indiana Fire Association
Henry also said that a brush fire could start just with a single piece of ash that’s blown in the wind.
–Bob Henry, Indiana Fire Association
The best advice for those burning rubbish is to keep an eye on the weather and do your burning on a day when the winds are calm. Experts also say to keep a good distance from any buildings, never use flammable liquids to start the fire, never leave a fire unattended, have a fire extinguisher ready, be ready to put the fire out if the winds pick up, and at the first sign of trouble, call 911.
